July 1, 2003	Tuesday	Rabi-us-Sani 30, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, June 30: Russian Ambassador Edward S. Shevchenko offered on Monday his country’s assistance in talks between Pakistan and India on the lingering issue of Kashmir.

The ambassador, who called on Federal Minister for Water and Power, KANA and SAFRON Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, said: “We want India and Pakistan to continue dialogue for the just solution of Kashmir, which has become a flashpoint in South Asia.”

Mr Shevchenko offered Russian help and involvement in finding a solution to the Kashmir issue.

The ambassador also said that his country was keen to help Pakistan in the oil and gas, metallurgy, space, telecommunication and energy sectors. The recent visit of Russian Foreign Minister Igor Evanov would further cement political and economic ties between the two countries, he added.

The ambassador informed the minister that Russian companies had constructed dams in Bangladesh, India, Iran, Tajikistan and would like to invest in the water and power sector in Pakistan.

Mr Sherpao assured the envoy that there was no infiltration across the Line of Control.